Lithuania - Russia
90-61
Siemens Arena was packed with 12000 fans as Lithuania triumphed at U18 European
Championship in Vilnius. The home side won all the games and cruised past Russia
90:61 in the Final. The hosts opened the game with 8-0 run and Karasev managed
to bring the first points for Russia. The crowd helped Lithuania to take the
lead as the hosts never looked behind.
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) scored for 20:6 and Pukis nailed three for
28:9.Jonas
Valanciunas made two free throws at the end of the period for 28:9.
Lithuania opened the second period with 6:2 lead, but Russia started to play
better later in the frame. With 22-18 in it Russia reduced to 46:31 at the
halftime. A 7-0 run answered fro all the questions about the winner in the start
of the third quarter. Skucas made a jump shot for 53:31 and
Jonas Valanciunas gave the hosts 56:36. Sabonis kept the advantage closing
the quarter at 63:43. Simanavicius nailed three for 68:48, while Pukis increased
for 81:54. Mockevicius scored the last points of the Champions as Lithuania as a
team and as a host did their best at the tournament.
Jonas Valanciunas exploded with 31 points and 18 rebounds for the winners.
Pukis nailed 21, while Simanavicius poured in 12. Karasev chipped in 15 points
in the losing effort as Russia finished with Silver. Trushkin netted 13 and
Bekkiev scored 11.

3rd place

Serbia - Latvia
49-75
Latvia grabbed Bronze in the border-country Lithuania at the U18 European
Championship at Siemens Arena in Vilnius. In the game for the third place the
Baltic state rolled over Serbia 75:49. Latvia actually responded for a big loss
yesterday from Russia. Serbia however started better and finished the opening
quarter with 16:14 lead. Helmanis from the perimeter brought the lead back to
Latvia and Rostovs gave them 27:24. Rostovs closed the half at 30:28 for the
Baltic State. Petkovic pulled back Serbia to 31:30 but it was the last lead for
his team. With a 12-0 run Latvia reached 50:38 advantage and Misters scored for
52:40. Bogdanovic remained Serbia alive at 55:43 after three quarters. The last
quarter however belonged only to one team as Latvia limited Serbia to just 6
points. The winners meanwhile scored 20 for the big win.
Kaspars Vecvagars (190-G-93) scored the last points for the winners to taste
bronze of the U18 European Championship. Bertans top-scored for the winners with
24 points.
Kaspars Vecvagars poured in 13, while Helmanis scored 10. Bogdanovic
finished the night with 12 points in the losing effort. Dumic and Petkovic
notched 9 apiece as Serbia is 4th at the tournament.

5th place

Poland - Croatia
77-92
Croatia won the fifth spot with a 92:77 win over Poland at the U18 European
Championship at Siemens Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania. Both teams also advanced to
the U19 Fiba World Championship for the next year. Croatia and Poland wanted to
finish on a high note and managed to solved their goals for the next year.
Karnowski and
Toni Katic (185-G-92) brought the first points for the winners and the teams
exchanged the leads several times. Bartoszewicz closed the first quarter as
Croatia however enjoyed 25:21 lead. Rogic scored the first 6 points in the
second frame and Saric made it 33:22. Saric also nailed three later in the
period for 46:31, while Ramljak was the last to score in the half for 59:40 as
Croatia nailed 34 points in the second frame. Poland paid more attention to
defense in the third quarter and limited the winners to 12 points. Barac closed
the third frame at 71:57 as he made two free throws. There was no chance for
Poland to catch up with the opponents as Croatia also won the last quarter.
Saric scored for 90:72 and Sango posted two fro 92:77 at the final.
Toni Katic shined with 20 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds, while Saric
nailed 13. Rogic posted 12, while Barac and Ramljak netted 11 each. Gielo
finished the game with 14 points and Grochowski scored 13.

7th place

Greece - France
75-77
France claimed 7th place in Vilnius, Greece is 8th due to the last game for both
teams at the U18 European Championship. France won 77:75 due to the run in the
last 4 minutes. Psaropoulos and Naurais were the first players to score for the
squads in the opening tip. Motsenigos and Bigote later nailed three each for
17:15 at the end of the first. Invernizzi scored two from the perimeter for
29:24 and Bigote gave France 39:30. Chrysikopoulos with a jump shot closed the
second frame at 36:43. The third quarter belonged to Greece that made a huge
comeback. Chrysikopoulos firts tied the game at 54:54, while Mavrogiannis gave
Greece 59:58 at the end of thirty minutes.
Anastasios Antonakis (204-C/F-92) increased to 65:59 and Chrysikopoulos
scored two more for 8-point deficit with 6 minutes to play. Keita tied it all at
67:67, while Gobert brought 75:69 for France that used a 16-2 run for the lead.
Keita gave the winners the last points and Motsenigos reduced to two points with
the buzzer. Invernizzi paced all the winners with 17 points. Gobert collected 14
points and 12 rebounds, while Bigote chipped in 10. Chrysikopoulos finished the
night with 26 points in the losing effort and Motsenigos poured in 17.

Group G

Sweden - Ukraine
73-79
Ukraine U18 remains in Division A for the next year as they won do-or-die game
over Sweden U18. In the last game of the U18 European Championship Ukraine
rolled over the Scandinavian team 79:73 as Sweden will have to play in Division
B next year. Ukraine finished with 4-2 record the Classification Round and
Sweden dropped to 2-4. Definitely for both teams it was the most important game
of the tournament. Eriksson nailed three for Sweden to give them 10:6 in the
start, while Gaddefors scored for 14:8. Sweden played better in the first 10
minutes and as a result took 21:16 lead. The second quarter however belonged to
the Ukrainian side as Artamonov brought 28:27 lead. Barton and Prokopenko
exchanged the three-pointers in the end of the frame for 37:34 for Ukraine.
Three times the score was tied in the third quarter, while Ukraine grabbed the
lead again. Krutous netted three for 53:49 and Barton closed the third frame at
53:51. In the fourth period Ukraine was too good for the opponent and proved the
ambitions for staying in Division A.
Olexiy Len (210-C-93) scored four in a row for 70:58 and he later brought
75:65. Desport closed the game from the perimeter but Ukraine celebrated the
necessary success.
Olexiy Len erupted with 24 points and 20 rebounds to lead all the winners.
Marchenko nailed 16, while Prokopenko scored 13. Person poured in 24 points in
the losing effort and Eriksson scored 17. Germany - Bulgaria
72-67
Germany trailed in the majority of the game to Bulgaria however won their last
game 72:67. The German side will remain in Division A of the U18 European
Championship for the next year, while Bulgaria will have to start from Division
B. Neumann drove a lay-up at the very beginning and as it became clear it was
the only lead in the first half for Germany. Bulgaria started to play their best
and won the opening quarter 26:15. Simeonov scored for 29:18 and Dimitrov made a
jump shot for 34:23. Germany managed to reduce a bit, while Tenchev sent the
teams to the lockers for 42:34. It seemed that Germany would prove their
ambitions in the third quarter when Breunig scored for 45:39. Ivanov and Francis
nailed from the perimeter each for 56:45 advantage. Dafinov closed the frame
with a jump shot for 58:45, while Ivanov opened the last quarter for 60:45. A
10-0 run pulled Germany back to 60:55 and Neumann tied it alter at 65:65. Wendt
and later
Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) scored for 70:67 and remained Bulgaria
scoreless in the last two minutes. The German side increased the win to 5 points
as Neumann was perfect from the free throw line to celebrated the final victory
with the winners.
Patrick Heckmann paced all the winners with 13 points and 11 rebounds for
5-1 record. Theilig nailed 12, while Neumann collected 12 points and 11
rebounds. Tenchev ended up with 23 points in the losing effort and Ivanov added
17.

Day: 8 (Semi-Finals) - Jul.
31, 2010

SEMIFINAL

Latvia - Russia
42-73
Russia destroyed Latvia for the big Final in Vilnius at the U18 European
Championship. The Russian side separated the Baltic Final smashing Latvia 73:42
in the last game on Saturday. Loginov made the first jump shot for the winners,
while Latvia bounced back with 6-0 run. Tikhonin and Apsitis exchanged the leads
and Bekkiev tied the quarter at 11:11. The score was tied four times in the
second period, while Russia finished the half with 8-0 run for 28:23 halftime
advantage. In the second half the court was dominated only by one team that
played awesome both in defense and offense. Russia reached 47:33 as
Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) closed the third period in the game. In the last
quarter Russia limited the opponents to just 9 points and easily won the
semifinal. Trushkin made the last jump shot in the game for the final success.
Sergey Karasev paced all the winners with 16 points for the big Final.
Trushkin netted 13, while Loginov collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Bertans
responded with 12 points and Timma poured in 9. Tomorrow Russia will face
Lithuania in the Final as an unbelievable 14-0 run in the last 6 minutes lifted
the hosts to the Final of the U18 European Championship. Lithuania grabbed 67:66
victory over Serbia to remain undefeated.

Lithuania - Serbia
67-66
An unbelievable 14-0 run in the last 6 minutes lifts the hosts to the Final of
the U18 European Championship. Lithuania grabbed 67:66 victory over Serbia to
remain undefeated. Lithuania started as it was expected and reached 4-0 in the
opening tip. Vujosevic reduced to 11:9, while the hists created a 6-0 run for
17:9.
Vytenis Cizauskas (189-G-92) drove a lay-up for 22:14 at the end of the
period. Right after that time Serbia started to play better. Besovic tied it all
at 26:26 and Nastic closed the run at 34:26. Redikas sent the squads to the
lockers for 37:34 as Serbia won the frame at 23-12. Skucas later tied it at
43:43 and Bogdanovic brought the defending champions 52:49. Jakstas was the last
to score in the end of the third frame for 56:51. Serbia deserved the win more
and even increased to 66:53 when Bogdanovic made a jump shot. Whatever happened
to the guests after they could blame themselves. An unbelievable 14-0 run in the
last 6 minutes gave Lithuania the minimum lead that became the most improtant
victory at the Championship. Skucas made one free throw in the last seconds to
bring the win for Lithuania.
Vytenis Cizauskas led the way with 15 points and Pukis netted 12. Skucas and
Redikas followed them with 11 points each. Vujosevic ended up with 15 points in
the losing effort. Siladi netted 14, while Nastic scored 10.

5-8 places

Greece - Poland
55-74
Poland qualified to the FIBA U19 European Championship as they won over Greece
in the 5-8 classification games in U18 European Championship at Siemens Arena in
Vilnius. The Polish side needed 74:55 to play tomorrow for the 5th place.
Ponitka opened the game from the perimeter and Gielo nailed three for 9:6.
Poland never looked behind in the first quarter taking 16:13 advantage after the
first 10 minutes. Melissaratos reduced to 20:17, while Karnowski increased for
Poland at 31:21.The latter dominated the court in the frame and Ponitka closed
the half at 39:27. The third quarter also belonged to the Polish side that
stepped away from the opponents as Kwiatkowski scored for 50:38.
Bartlomiej Bartoszewicz (201-F-92) made a jump shot at the end of the third
quarter as Poland enjoyed 55:40 advantage. Ponitka brought 60:40, while
Bartlomiej Bartoszewicz scored for 64:49. Michalak nailed three for 72:49
and Sokolowski made the last two free throws for the final victory. Ponitka
stepped up with 24 points for the winners.
Bartlomiej Bartoszewicz nailed 8, while Grochowski, Gielo and Karnowski
netted 7 each. Antonakis finished the game with 13 points in the losing effort,
while Melissaratos netted 10. Tomorrow Poland will face Croatia for the 5th
place, while Greece will meet France for the 7th.

Croatia - France
67-61
Croatia clinched the place at the U19 World Championship for the next year as
they won the very important game. Croatia U18 produced a 67:61 triumph over
France in the 5-8 classification round of the European Championship at Siemens
Arena in Vilnius. France, being the silver team last year started with a lay-up
from Leon and Keita later scored for 10:9. He also closed the first period at
17:13. France continued to lead the game and Ceci increased to 25:15 in the
start of the second quarter. Fauconnet scored for 32;19, while Gobert gave
France the biggest lead at 36:23. Leon sent the squads to the lockers as France
enjoyed 38:28 at the halftime. Croatia needed 11-0 run in the start of the third
quarter for 39:38 advantage. After 21-10 in the frame Croatia grabbed 49:48 lead
after three quarters. They never looked behind after and Ramljak nailed three
for 62:52 lead midway through the last quarter. Deal was the last to score in
the game, while Croatia clinched the place at the U19 World Championship for the
next year.
Dario Saric (204-F/C-93) stepped up with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Katic
notched 12, whilst Barac scored 9. Ceci finished the night with 19 points in the
losing effort and Leon added 10. Tomorrow Poland will face Croatia for the 5th
place, while Greece will meet France for the 7th.

9-10 place

Turkey - Slovenia
74-71
Turkey beat Slovenia in the last game for both teams at the U18 European
Championship. Turkey needed 74:71 to finish on the 9th spot. Omic gave Slovenia
the first lead and Hodzic nailed three for 7:6 in the opening tip. Omic scored
six in a row for 17:9, while Besedic shocked Turkey for 27:10 after the first
quarter. Korkmaz brought the winners to 25:38, while scored for 31:45. Omic
closed the half at 47:31 as the teams disappeared in the lockers. The second
half however belonged to the Turkish side that at first produced 20-10 in the
third frame. Tekin reduced to 56:51 and Vasl gave Slovenia 57:51 after three
quarters. Vardal tied it all at 63:63 and Korkmaz tasted already 66:65 with
Turkey. Korkmaz nailed just one for 74:68 and
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) hit the last shot in the game. Edge that exploded in
the first game for the team with 35 points, this time nailed 20. Korkmaz posted
14, while Tekin and Geyik added 9 each. Omic ended up with 17 points and 11
rebounds in defeat as Slovenia is 10th this year.
Marko Pajic collected 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Rupnik added 12.

11-12 place

Spain - Italy
84-59
Spain clinched the 11th spot at the U18 European Championship beating Italy in
their last game. Spain U18 rolled over the Italian side 84:59 as the teams head
home. Of course it was not the game for the spot the teams hoped before the
start of the U18 European Championship. Usually both countries qualify to the
elite eight, however this time both of them had to appear in the court for the
11-12 places. Italy won the opening tip 5:4, while Guerra gave Spain 9:5. The
latter had 19:12, while Italy finished with 5-0 run for 19:17 after the first 10
minutes. Acosta scored for 21:17 and Ventura increased to 35:26. Spain finished
the frame with 4-0 run and took 41:30 halftime advantage. Moreover Tomas stepped
up for 45:30 and Guerra netted for 53:37. Spain won the third frame 24-12 and
took 65:42 after three quarters. In the last frame both teams just killed the
time as the result and the positions were already known. Creus nailed three at
the very end as the teams finished the U18 European Championship in 2010.
Pere Oriola (206-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 19 points for the
last win. Tomas netted 10, while Barrera scored 9. Montano ended up with 13
points in the losing effort and Ceron notched 9.

Group G

Sweden - Germany
49-78
Germany remains in the top Division for the next year as they improved to 4-1
record at the Classification Round of the U18 European Championship. Germany
rolled over Sweden 78:49 winning all the quarters in the game. Germany started
strong and scored the first 5 points in the game. Moreover they took 10:1 as
Heckmann drove a lay-up. Kramer brought 18:6 and
William Magarity (207-F-93) closed the opening quarter at 22:11. Wendt
nailed three for 27:14, while Monninghoff increased to 34:17. Germany again
limited Scandinavian team to just 11 points in a quarter for 46:22 halftime
advantage. Gaddefors reduced to 49:26 and Taqi scored for 53:30. Breunig closed
the three quarter at 60:34 as Germany could celebrate at that time. Kramer and
Breunig opened the last stanza with the jump shots and Wendt gave them 66:38.
Heckmann and Monninghoff notched from the perimeter and Heckmann brought 78:47.
Nguyen made two free throws at the very end for the final score. Neumann and
Monninghoff paced all the winners with 15 points each. Kramer collected 13
points and 11 rebounds. Gaddefors ended up with 10 points in the losing effort
as Sweden fell at 2-3.Eriksson and
William Magarity notched 9 points apiece in a loss. Tomorrow Sweden and
Ukraine will battle for another second place to remain in Division A.

Ukraine - Bulgaria
104-63
Ukraine U18 sent Bulgaria U18 to Division B thrashing them on Saturday at the
U18 European Championship. Ukraine improved to 3-2 record after 104:63 win,
while Bulgaria dropped to 1-4. Ukraine started offensively and grabbed 32-19
after the first quarter. Gospodinov scored for 51:33 and Marchenko increased to
56:41. Ukraine enjoyed 61:44 as the teams went to the lockers. Both squads
nailed 15 points each in the third period as Ukraine held off the opponents. The
last quarter became a nightmare for Bulgaria that could not match the winners.
Motorchuk scored for 99:63 and Mishula nailed three for three-digit number on
the board. Virastiuk closed the game from the perimeter for the final success.
V'Yacheslav Bobrov (202-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and
Artamonov nailed 18 points. Krutous and Len delivered 15 points each in a win.
Gospodinov responded with 18 points in the losing effort and Ivanov scored 11.
Germany will remain in the top Division for the next year as they improved to
4-1 record at the Classification Round of the U18 European Championship. Germany
rolled over Sweden 78:49 winning all the quarters in the game. Tomorrow Sweden
and Ukraine will battle for another second place to remain in Division A.

Day: 7 (Quarter-Finals) - Jul.
30, 2010

QUARTERFINAL

Lithuania - Greece
84-51
Lithuania became the third semifinalists at the U18 European Championship in
Vilnius today. They cruised past Greece to make into Final Four. Dovydas Redikas
knocked down 19 points to pace the hosts. The teams traded baskets throughout
close first quarter. Lithuania pulled ahead late in the frame posting a 19:16
lead ten minutes into the clash. Edgaras Ulanovas came up with six points early
in the second term to give Lithuania a 26:19 advantage. The hosts used a 9:2 run
to build a 35:22 lead midway through the second stanza. Cizauskas capped the
half with a lay-up to ensure a 42:26 lead for Lithuania. The hosts continued
their dominance in the third quarter. Deividas Pukis clinched a 19-point lead
with a jumper late in the stanza. Lithuania built a comfortable 25-point
advantage with ten minutes to go. Mavrogianis sparked a 7:0 run from the
Hellenes in the final term but it did not help them too much as Lithuania
steamrolled to the victory. Deividas Pukis notched 15 points and 7 rebounds for
Lithuania.
Zygimantas Skucas (200-F-92) added 12 points in the winning effort.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos accounted for 21 points and 8 rebounds for Greece.
Sokratis Psaropoulos netted 9 points in the loss.

Latvia - Croatia
78-56
Latvia reached the semifinal stage of the U18 European Championship. They fired
past Croatia in the quarterfinal battle today. Davis Bertans led balanced effort
with 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Latvia will now take on Russia in the
semis. Croatia will play versus France in the classification games for the
5th-8th place.
Edmunds Dukulis (201-C-92, agency:
Players Group) and Davis Bertans teamed up for nine points in a row as
Latvia posted a 21:11 lead late in the starting quarter. Latvia ensured a 23:17
advantage at the first break. Vecvagars opened the second term with a
three-pointer as Latvia stretched the gap. Back-to-back three-pointers from
Vecvagars and Janis Timma gave Latvia a 40:26 advantage midway through the
second quarter. The Baltic team entered the second half up by 15 points 47:32.
Latvia tipped off the third term with six points in a row to boost the lead.
They rallied confidently posting a 60:41 lead into the fourth quarter. Boris
Barac notched five points in a row to drag Croatia within 15 points early in the
fourth stanza. But Latvia quickly restored a safe cushion and drove to the
victory at the end. Janis Timma came up with 16 points for Latvia.
Edmunds Dukulis added 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winning side. Boris
Barac replied with 15 points and 10 caroms for Croatia. Roko Rogic nailed 12
points in the loss.

Russia - France
73-68 OT
Russia became the first semifinalists of the U18 European Championship. They
held off France in a dramatic overtime clash.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) knocked down 22 points and grabbed 9 rebounds
to pace the effort.
Vladislav Trushkin and Alexander Varnakov ensure a quick start for Russia.
However France capped the period on a 6:2 run to draw things level at 12. The
teams stayed neck and neck throughout the second quarter. Hugo Invernizzi
crowned the first half with a lay-up to ensure a 30:26 lead for France. Karasev
tipped off the second half with five points in a row as Russia retained the
advantage. The Russian team rallied to a 42:38 lead with ten minutes to go.
Diacono and Hugo Invernizzi returned the lead back to Les Bleus. Russia first
knotted things up and then Goldyrev ensured a 59:54 lead for Russia with just
over two minutes to go. France reacted with five points in a row to level things
up at 59. Later Gobert missed both free throws, while Ceci's three-pointer
rimmed off as the teams went into extra period. Gobert opened the scoring in
overtime however Russia answered with ten consecutive points to pull ahead for
good. Dmitry Kulagin netted 15 points for Russia. Alexander Varnakov added 13
points in the winning effort. Hugo Invernizzi accounted for 20 points for
France. Mathis Keita had 12 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds in the loss.

Serbia - Poland
75-57
Serbia became the last Semifinalist of the U18 European Championship. The
defending champions rolled over Poland U18 75:57 in the last Quarterfinal clash.
Gujanicic gave the defending champions 2:0 and Dumic made a jump shot for 10:5.
Ponitka tied the game at 14:14, while
Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-G-92) closed the first period at 22:18. Michalak tied
it all again at 26:26 and Michalak gave Poland 33:32 advantage. Vujosevic sent
the teams to the lockers for 38:35. In the third period Serbia started to
increase the lead and reached 47:35 as Vujosevic made a jump shot with 8 minutes
in the frame.
Bogdan Bogdanovic kept the double-digit lead at 53:43 and Siladi scored for
55:46. Vujosevic closed the quarter at 57:47 as Serbia won the frame with 19-12.
Petkovic brought plus 18 in the game and Dumic made it 72:55.
Bogdan Bogdanovic nailed three at the very end for the final success.
Bogdan Bogdanovic paced all the winners with 14 points. Petkovic netted 13,
while Vujosevic scored 12. Ponitka ended up with 20 points in the losing effort
as Poland will play for the 5th-8th places. Michalak nailed 11, while Gielo
added 10.

9-12 places

Spain - Turkey
60-66
Turkey snapped their three-game losing skid at the U18 European Championship in
Lithuania. They toppled Spain to earn the right to fight for the ninth overall
position at the tournament. Turkey will next face the winner of Italy vs.
Slovenia clash. Safak Edge came up with 17 points, 5 boards and 3 assists for
Turkey. Turkey marked their ambitions at the start of the game. They opened it
with a 12:0 run to take the lead. Spain came back to live late in the quarter to
narrow the deficit at 5-point mark 11:16. Turkey began the second frame strongly
and grabbed an 11-point advantage. Turkey maintained the lead and ensured a
9-point buffer at halftime 28:37. Eroglu and Safak Edge helped Turkey to a
16-point lead early in the third quarter. The Turkish team headed into the
fourth period up by 12 points but Spain managed to spark the intrigue. Joan
Creus triggered a 7:0 run that put Spain within five points with 40 seconds to
go. Korkmaz knocked down a free throw in the dying seconds, while Servera and
Joan Creus missed from downtown to give the win away to Turkey. Muhammed Baygul
netted 15 points for Turkey. Burak Yildizli added 12 points and 7 rebounds in
the victory.
Alejandro Barrera (199-F/C-92) had 14 points for Spain. Joan Tomas netted 9
points in the loss.

Italy - Slovenia
91-96 OT
Slovenia needed overtime to beat the Italian team at the last game of the U18
European Championship on Friday. Slovenia U18 won 96:91 after massive 20-15 in
overtime in the game for 5-8 places.
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) scored the first five points for Slovenia and Omic
gave them 11:2. Italy responded with 13-0 run for 16:13 advantage as Mian made a
jump shot. Prepelic closed the first period at 21:19 bringing the last six
points for the winners. Slovenia was in front for the whole second period but
managed to keep only 37:34 at the halftime. Marco Ceron tied the game at 37:37
and Mian gave Italy 44:43. After 21-20 for Slovenia in the third frame they
enjoyed 58:54 lead after three quarters. Dimec scored for the biggest 69:59
lead, while Italy managed to tie the game at the end of the fourth period. Marco
Ceron made two free throws for 76:76, but Span gave already Slovenia 90:83
midway through overtime. Rupnik made two free throws for the winners at the end
and Marco Ceron closed the game from the perimeter.
Marko Pajic top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Rupnik nailed 15, while Prepelic posted 13. Marco Ceron erupted with 34 points
in the losing case. Mian netted 14, while Monaldi scored 13.

Group G

Bulgaria - Sweden
73-70
Bulgaria posted the first win at the classification round of the U18 European
Championship in Lithuania. They toppled Sweden in Group G today. Bulgaria thus
improved at 1-3 record, dropping the Scandinavians to 2-2. Dimitar Dimitrov
accounted for 20 points to pace Bulgaria. Dimitar Dimitrov scored 7 points in
the opening frame as Bulgaria surged ahead. They posted a 15:12 lead at the
first intermission. Sirakov, Simeonov and Tencho Tenchev drained triples to
ensure a 25:14 lead midway through the second term. However Sweden used a 12:1
run late in the half to take a 32:31 lead. The lead changed hands throughout the
third stanza. Tencho Tenchev capped it with three free throws to give Bulgaria a
52:48 lead. Magarity and
Jonathan Person (190-G-93, agency:
JEMsports) drew things level at the start of the fourth period but Bulgaria
immediately replied with a 10:2 spurt. Sweden trailed by only one point 67:68
with 42 seconds remaining however Dimitar Dimitrov and Dafinov helped Bulgaria
to a 4-point lead and they hung on to win the game. Tencho Tenchev accounted for
18 points and 8 rebounds for Bulgaria. Pavlin Ivanov netted 11 points in the
victory. Marcus Eriksson replied with 21 points for Sweden.
Jonathan Person notched 14 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists in the loss.

Germany - Ukraine
59-74
Ukraine outscored Germany in the do-or-die game of the Classification Round to
remain alive for remaining in Division A. The Ukrainian team produced 74:59 to
improve to 2-2 record. Germany suffered their first loss to drop to 3-1. In case
of victory Germany would claim Division A stay for the next year. It was also
the last chance for Ukraine and the latter managed to reach the goal. Prokopenko
gave Ukraine 7:4, while
Klym Artamonov (176-G-93) tied it later at 12:12. He also made it equal at
the end of the period for 15:15. Ukraine started the second frame with 7-0 run
and Prokopenko nailed three for 22:15. Len scored fro 26:18, while Ney reduced
for 30:28. Ukraine won the second stanza 20-18 as Prokopenko closed the half at
35:33. The third quarter became decisive in the game as Ukraine limited Germany
to just 8 points. Bobrov made a lay-up at the end of the third frame for 53:40.
Wendt remained Germany alive for 58:47 and Breunig scored for 60:54 Ukrainian
team however played better at the very end and finished with 15-point advantage.
Klym Artamonov nailed three for the final success.
Klym Artamonov paced all the winners with 25 points and Prokopenko notched
17. Neumann collected 17 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.
Monninghoff nailed 13, while Wendt scored 8.

Day: 6 (Qualifying Round) - Jul.
28, 2010

Group E

Latvia - Lithuania
75-78
Lithuania wins the Baltic Battle and remains the only undefeated team at the U18
European Championship in Vilnius. Lithuania rolled over Latvia 78:75 in the top
game of the last day at the Qualifying Round. As it was expected the hosts
started with 8-0 run and hoped for the easy win. Pukis gave Lithuania 15:4 and
Simanavicius scored for 23:9. Coders and Bremers nailed however two
three-pointers in the end of the frame for 25:15 after 10 minutes. Bertans later
brought Latvia to 29:26 and Ulanovas increased to 40:28 for the hosts.
Zygimantas Skucas (200-F-92) closed the half at 42:30 as Lithuania won the
second period 17-15. The third quarter was a masterpiece for Latvia that
produced 21-12 in it. Three shots from the perimeter gave Latvia 49:51, while
Dukulis was the last to post in the third period at 54:51. No matter how hard
Latvia tried to tie the game, they could not. The guests managed to come to
75:76 as Dukulis made two free throws. Cizauskas however scored last two for the
hosts as Lithuania won their hardest game. Valanciunas erupted again with 22
points and 17 rebounds as Lithuania won the group with 5-0 record. Cizauskas
nailed 16, while Pukis and
Zygimantas Skucas added 10 each. Dukulis ended up with 20 points in the
losing case as Latvia advanced to the Quarterfinals with 3-2 record. Bertans
notched 14 and Vecvagars posted 13.

Poland - France
65-69
France beat Poland at the last game of the Qualifying Round at the U18 European
Championship in Vilnius as both teams jumped to the Quarterfinals with the lucky
2-3 records. France needed narrow 69:65 win to finish fourth in Group E, while
Poland adcanced from the third place. Karnowski started for Poland and
Rudy Gobert (212-C-92) brought France 9:4. Bartoszewicz tied the game at
15:15, while Naurais closed the first period at 19:15. Trailing in the first
part of the second frame Poland grabbed the lead later. Michalak at first tied
the game at 25:25 and then Karnowski gave them 27:25. France managed to win the
end of the frame with 7-0 to take 39:31 halftime advantage. Karnowski tied it
again at 42:42 and Gielo scored for 49:45 as France enjoyed 4-point deficit at
the end of thirty minutes. Due to 20-20 in the last period France celebrated the
necessary victory. Poland meanwhile did not mind the narrow loss and advanced to
the next stage from the higher spot. Ceci and
Rudy Gobert paced all the winners with 13 points each, while Invernizzi
netted 11. Michalak ended up with 15 points in the losing effort and Gielo added
13.

Spain - Slovenia
73-69
Spain U18 overcame Slovenia U18 73:69 at the first game of the last day at the
Qualifying Round. Spain improved to 2-3 record and sent Slovenia out of the
Quarterfinals of the U18 European Championship. Rojc opened the game for
Slovenia and Omic gave them 15:14. Although the teams exchanged the leads
several times in the period Slovenia grabbed 22:20 after 10 minutes of the game.
Barrera tied it all at 24:24 and Ventura later made the same at 34:34. Omic
still remained the Slovenian team in front at 37:36 at the halftime. Jaime
Fernandez tied the game again at 39:39 and Barrera gave Spain 49:48. The latter
also made the last jump shot in the third frame for 51:48 lead after three
quarters. Spain took the bigger lead in the game as Jaime Fernandez brought them
65:58 with 5 minutes in the game.
Francisco Guerra (212-C-92) with a dunk closed the last stanza and
celebrated the victory with the team.
Francisco Guerra paced all the winners with 19 points. Tomas Joan and Jaime
Fernandez followed them with 10 points each. Omic ended up with 20 points and 11
rebounds in the losing effort. Pajic collected 15 points and 13 rebounds, whilst
Rupnik scored 9.

Group F

Serbia - Italy
97-52
Serbia won over Italy at the U18 European Championship in Vilnius. The defending
Champions advanced to the Quarterfinals with 97:52 win as they improved to 3-2
record. Ondo gave Italy the first lead and Gentile scored for 9:6. Serbia led
16:15 midway through the period and created a 8-0 run for 24:15. Ceron closed
the first frame at 24:18, while Serbia exploded with 18-0 run to take the bigger
advantage. Drenovac made a jump shot for 42:18 and
Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-G-92) nailed three for 47:30. Vujosevic opened the
third quarter at 48:32 and Dumic scored for 53:36. Drenovac scored again for
60:41, while
Bogdan Bogdanovic closed the third at 68:42. Siladi gave Serbia 71:42 at the
start of the fourth quarter when it became clear that Serbia would benefit from
the game. The defending champions nailed 29 points in the quarter and reached 97
points in the game. Besovic brought the last points for Serbia, while Mian
scored last three for Italy. Siladi paced all the winners with 15 points and 11
rebounds, while Vujosevic scored 13.
Bogdan Bogdanovic and Drenovac added 11 points each in a win. Ceron ended up
with 14 points in the losing case and Sabbatino notched 8. Italy finished the
group with 1-4 record.

Russia - Greece
69-52
Russia U18 wins Group F as they outscored Greece U18 69:52. In the last game of
the Qualifying Round at the U18 European Championship in Vilnius Russia advanced
to the Quarterfinals from the top place, while Greece also will start from 1/4
Finals on Friday. Marinin and Kulagin gave Russia 5-0 lead, while Papadionysiou
was the first to score for Greece. Russia later enjoyed 12-2 deficit and Bekkiev
closed the first period at 23:12. Russia limited the opponents to just 4 points
in the second period and stormed past them with 16-4. Marinin sent the squads to
the lockers as Russia had 38:16 at the halftime. A 12-2 run helped Greece to
remain alive and Psaropoulos reduced to 40:28. Karasev increased again to 54:37,
while Varnakov closed the third quarter at 59:40. Motsenigos nailed three for
62:51 and Antonakis brought the last points for Greece. Karasev made a jump shot
at the very end to seal the victory and the top place in the group with Russia.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and
10 rebounds. Kulagin nailed 11, whilst Karasev scored 10. Psaropoulos ended up
with 18 points in the losing effort and Motsenigos notched 16.

Croatia - Turkey
82-77
Croatia beat Turkey and advanced to the 1/4 Finals of U18 European Championship.
Toni Katic (185-G-92) shined for the winners as they rolled over the
opponents 82:77. Turkey started with 4-0 run, while Croatia responded with 6-0.
Saric later tied it all at 13:13, while Tekin gave the Turkish side 18:16 after
the first period. The squads were also tied three times in the start of the
second frame, while Barac brought Croatia 37:29. Zadravec sent the squads to the
lockers for 41:31 at the halftime. Turkey opened the third frame with 7-0 run
and Korkmaz reduced to 41:38. Saric later increased the lead to 52:42, while
Geyik closed the third stanza at 57:51. Baygul kept the intrigue at 59:55 as the
player made two free throws. Barac again scored for Croatoa to bring back
10-point advantage. Again Baygul scored for 72:69 and Korkmaz made it 74:72 with
2 minutes in the game. The teams exchanged the baskets again as Baygul brought
80:77. Zadravec made last two free throws in the game for the final success.
Toni Katic collected 21 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Zadravec netted
19, while Saric added 14. Baygul responded with 19 points in the losing effort
as Turkey fell at 1-4. Geyik nailed 15, whilst Korkmaz scored 13.

Group G

Bulgaria - Germany
58-65
Germany improved to 3-0 record in the Classification Round of the U18 European
Championship. The team sent Bulgaria to 0-3 record after a 65:58 win at Lietuvos
Rytas Arena in Vilnius, Lithuania. Germany will take on Ukraine when the
Classification Round games renew on Friday while Bulgaria face Sweden in hope to
revenge the big loss in the first game. Dimitar Dimitrov started from the arc
and Neumann gave the first lead for Germany at 6:5. The teams were tied several
times in the game, while Bright scored for 16:14 at the end of the first period.
Sirakov later made a jump shot to tie the game at 20:20 and Kramer scored 6 in a
row for 33:22. Tenchev however nailed two three-pointers in the end of the half
for 33:28. Moreover Simeonov tied it all at 33:33 and Francis gave Bulgaria
42:41 lead. Breunig was the last to score in the end of the third frame for
46:45. Germany continued their run in the last frame and due to 19-13 won the
game. Theilig brought the last points for the winners, while Tenchev closed the
game at 65:58. Breunig top-scored for the winners with 15 points. Kramer nailed
14, while Wendt posted 11. Dimitar Dimitrov ended up with 17 points in the
losing effort. Tenchev notched 12, while Simeonov scored 11.

Ukraine - Sweden
76-81
Sweden edged Ukraine in the Classification Round of the U18 European
Championship at Siemens Arena in Vilnius. The Scandinavian team climbed to a 2-1
record at the end of the first round of games, while Ukraine dropped to 1-2.
Sweden will try to continue the great momentum against Bulgaria while Ukraine
will fight Germany in the next set of games. It was an easy start for Uktraine
that took 5-0 from after three minutes. Marchenko scored for 16:5 and the teams
left the first frame at 22:9. Bobrov gave Ukraine 24:13 and Artamonov delivered
two fro 32:15. Marchenko nailed four at the end of the half for 39:25 halftime
advantage. Nothing serious seemed to happen in the game, while Sweden erupted
with 30 points in the third quarter.
Jonathan Person (190-G-93, agency:
JEMsports) nailed three for 58:55 as the squads finished three quarters.
Artamonov scored for 72:59 with 5 minutes in the game, but Ukraine failed in the
last five. A 15-0 run ruined Ukraine as Sweden took 74:72 with 2 minutes
remaining. Ali Hussein brought the last points for Sweden that enjoyed the
latest comeback. Eriksson paced all the winners with 17 points to 2-1 record.
Gaddefors nailed 14, while
Jonathan Person shined with 14 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. Artamonov
ended up with 22 points in the losing effort. Marchenko scored 20, while
Prokopenko and Len added 13 each.

Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - Jul.
27, 2010

Group E

France - Slovenia
75-51
France U18 beat Slovenia U18 as both teams are tied with 1-3 records. France
celebrated the first victory in the Qualifying Round of the U18 European
Championship in Group E. Slovenia that upset Latvia last night was beaten by
France who was smashed by Liuthuanias. The picture in the group is now
unpredictable and will be decided in the last days. Omic opened the game for
Slovenia and Hodzic scored for 10:3. France recovered immediately and
Thomas Ceci (197-G-92) closed the first period at 21:14. France continued
their run in the beginning of the second period and Gobert gave them 32:14.
Thomas Ceci brought 40:21, while
Hugo Invernizzi (196-F/G-93) sent the squads to the lockers for 44:26.
France continued to dominate the court and after 20-10 in the third quarter they
took 64:36 advantage. No matter how hard Slovenia tried to recover they could
only win the last period 15-11. Jean-Charles made the last jump shot in the game
for the final 75:51 win.
Mathis Keita (192-G-92) top-scored for the winners with 18 points.
Thomas Ceci nailed 15, while
Hugo Invernizzi posted 9.
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and
Luka Rupnik (184-G-93) scored 7.

Lithuania - Spain
77-58
Lithuania U18 continues their streak and improved to 4-0 record on top of Group
E. The home side overcame Spain U18 77:58 in Vilnius at the U18 European
Championship. Lithuania is too good in the Championship and is not even thinking
of slowing down. In the game versus Spain they did not allow any of the players
to score in double digits.
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) opened the game for the hosts and
Edgaras Ulanovas (197-F-92) nailed three for 10:5. Both teams finished the
quarter with 20:14 and then Skucas brought the Baltic State 22:14.
Pere Oriola (206-F-92) kept Spain alive at 35:27, while Barrera closed the
half at 38:32.
Jaime Fernandez (188-G-93) brought Spain back to 39:36, but then the hosts
created a 7-0 run for 46:36. Due to 24-17 in the frame Lithuania grabbed 62:49
after three quarters. Spain had no chance int he final period to catch up with
the opponents that proved the ambitions for the top places in the tournament.
Sabonis nailed three at the end of the game for the final success.
Jonas Valanciunas top-scored for the winners with 20 points and
Deividas Pukis (193-G/F-92) nailed 19.
Edgaras Ulanovas followed them with 9 points in a win.
Pere Oriola and
Jaime Fernandez responded with 9 points apiece in defeat.

Poland - Latvia
59-63
Latvia climbed at 3-1 record in Group E of the Qualifying Round at the U18
European Championship. They held off Poland tonight to occupy the second
position in the ladder. Poland in the meantime fell at 2-2 record in the third
spot. Latvia opened the game with four points in a row and maintained the lead
throughout the starting quarter. They posted a 14:11 advantage at the first
intermission.
Davis Bertans (200-F-92) ensured a 9-point lead for Latvia early in the
second quarter. Poland got within just three points late in the first half but
Latvia responded with an 8:2 run to enjoy a 38:28 buffer at halftime. Kaspars
Vecvagars and
Edmunds Dukulis (201-C-92, agency:
Players Group) organized a 6:0 run at the beginning of the third period to
pull in front 44:28. They rallied to a 52:36 advantage at the final break.
Poland used an 8:0 run to get within 10 points early in the final frame.
Kwiatkowski and Dziemba pulled the Polish team closer with three-pointers.
Ponitka narrowed the deficit to only three points with one minute remaining. But
Latvia stayed calm and escaped with a narrow victory at the end.
Davis Bertans had 16 points and 11 rebounds for Latvia.
Edmunds Dukulis netted 11 points in the victory.
Tomasz Gielo (204-F-93) replied with 13 points for Poland.
Bartlomiej Bartoszewicz (201-F-92) accounted for 11 points in the loss.

Group F

Italy - Croatia
61-72
Toni Katic (185-G-92) and
Dario Saric (204-F/C-93) top-scored for Croatia in the first game of Day 5
at the U18 European Championship in Group F. Croatia rolled over Italy 72:61 due
to the second half. The win brings Croatia to a 2-2 balance before the last day
of the round while Italy dropped to 1-3 but still hold a chance to qualify to
the quarter-final round. Croatia will finish the Qualifying Round tomorrow
against Turkey while Italy will try to finish the round on the good side against
Serbia. Sabbatino gave Italy the first lead and
Marco Ceron (192-G-92) kept the advantage at 10:8. Croatai managed to take
the lead at the end of the frame and
Toni Katic closed the period at 16:13. Italy played better in the second
quarter as Sabbatino drove a lay-up for 26:20. Kucan nailed three at the end of
the frame to show 32:31 on the board at the halftime. The third quarter became
tough for both teams that exchanged the lead several times. Sgobba tied it all
at 50:50 and
Toni Katic closed the third period at 52:50. Moreover Croatia held Italy
scoreless for about 7 minutes and had 58:50 with 3.30 minutes to go.
Toni Katic was the last to score for the winners, while
Bruno Ondo Mengue (193-G-92) made the final score in the game.
Toni Katic and
Dario Saric led the way with 19 points each, while
Boris Barac (204-F-92) scored 13.
Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) again top-scored for the Italian side with
21 points and
Marco Ceron added 12.

Russia - Serbia
75-61
Russian U18 team recorded the second win at the Qualifying round of the European
Championship. They held off Serbia to improve at 3-1 record in Group F.
Dmitry Kulagin (195-G-92) knocked down 23 points, issued 8 assists and
grabbed 7 rebounds to lead the charge. Russia opened the game strongly. They
earned a 12:4 lead midway through the starting quarter. Russia piled up a 21:14
lead at the first break.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) opened a double-digit lead for Russia in the
second quarter 30:20. They maintained the margin and earned a 36:25 lead at the
interval. The gap grew at 16-point mark in the third stanza. Tamirlan Bekkiev
notched five points in a row as Russia entered the fourth period up by 15 points
57:42. Tamirlan Bekkiev converted a lay-up at the start of the fourth quarter
but Serbia answered with nine points in a row to pull closer. Russia responded
and soon
Dmitry Kulagin and Sergey Karasev gave the team a 73:59 advantage. Russia
kept their opponents at bay in the reminder of the contest and recorded a
well-deserved win at the end. Sergey Karasev notched 12 points for Russia.
Alexander Tikhonin (205-F-92) and
Vladislav Trushkin nailed 10 points apiece in the victory.
Nikola Siladi (206-F-92) answered with 16 points for Serbia.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-G-92) accounted for 12 points in the loss.

Group G

Germany - Sweden
73-66
Germany posted a key victory at the U18 European Championship. They held off
Sweden and avoided relegation. Germany improved at 2-0 record on top of Group G.
Sweden on the other hand slipped at 1-1 record and would fight for life against
Ukraine in the final game. Germany surged ahead right from the start. They led
throughout the opening quarter and posted a 22:13 advantage at the first break.
Germany opened a 13-point advantage in the second quarter but Sweden quickly
responded. They nipped the deficit at three-point mark at halftime 28:31. Wendt
tipped off the second half with back-to-back triples to stretch the lead.
Germany dominated in the frame and cruised to a massive 60:39 lead with ten
minutes remaining. Sweden refused to give up in the final period. They fought
bravely and cut the margin to just 4 points with 58 seconds remaining. However
Ole Wendt (190-G-92) and
Lars Wendt (190-G-92) knocked down three free throws in the dying seconds
and sealed the win for Germany.
Ole Wendt notched 18 points, while
Martin Breunig (203-F-92) netted 13 points for Germany.
Lars Wendt and
Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) added 12 points each in the winning case.
Marcus Eriksson (196-G-93) responded with 15 points for Sweden.
Charles Barton (188-G-92) finished with 14 points in the loss.

Bulgaria - Ukraine
75-79
Ukraine stepped closer to avoiding relegation at the U18 European Championship.
They held off Bulgaria for the initial win at the tournament.
Olexiy Len (210-C-93) stepped up with 26 points and 18 rebounds to lead the
effort. Ukraine now improved at 1-1 record in Group G. Bulgaria in the meantime
slipped at 0-2 record and fell into Division B.
Olexiy Len ensured a 7:0 start for Ukraine. Bulgaria however went on a 13:0
run midway through the starting quarter to take a 17:9 lead. The teams finished
the starting quarter tied at 22. The lead changed hands for several times
throughout the second term before Ukraine sealed the outcome leading by five
points 42:37.
Klym Artamonov (176-G-93) and
Olexiy Len opened a double-digit lead for Ukraine at the start of the second
half. Bulgaria erased the deficit and surged ahead after a three-pointer from
Pavlin Ivanov. But
Olexiy Len stepped up once again for Ukraine giving the team a 56:55
advantage with ten minutes remaining. Bulgaria led by five points midway through
the fourth stanza but could not capitalize. Olexiy Len triggered an 11:2 run
that put Ukraine in charge 76:72. Iliev gave Bulgaria hope with a triple but
Klym Artamonov and Krutous scored free throws in the dying seconds to ice
the win.
Klym Artamonov provided 18 points and 9 rebounds for Ukraine. Prokopenko
netted 13 points in the win. Pavlin Ivanov responded with 21 points, 7 rebounds
and 5 assists for Bulgaria.
Tencho Tenchev (202-F-93) and
Samuel Francis (190-G-92) had 13 points apiece in the loss.

Day: 4 (Qualifying Round) - Jul.
26, 2010

Group E

Slovenia - Latvia
76-74
Slovenia handed Latvia their first loss after three perfect games in Vilnius.
Slovenia overcame the Baltic State 76:74 at the U18 European Championship on
Monday. Latvia as it was expected started with the lead and took 4:0 in the
opening tip. They were in front for the majority of the period, while Besedic
gave Slovenia 14:13 at the end of the first quarter. Bertans took the lead back
early in the second, while Timma scored for 22:17. Omic later tied it at 28:28
and Vasl gave Slovenia 38:32 as the squads went to the lockers. Timma later
brought the advantage back to the Baltic State and Dukulis made it 47:45. Dimec
tied it all at 55:55 at the end of the third frame. The last quarter became the
real thriller in the court but Slovenia deserved the win more than the
opponents. They led in the majority of the period and won the game. Omic paced
all the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds.
Klemen Prepelic (190-G-92) nailed 14, while Hodzic scored 9. Dukulis
responded with 16 points in the losing effort as Latvia fell at 2-1 in the
group. Timma netted 15, whilst Misters scored 14.

France - Lithuania
63-104
Lithuania U18 proves the ambitions for the top place at the U18 European
Championship in Vilnius. The home side became the only undefeated team and
improved to 3-0 record in Group E destroying failing France 104:63. Lithuania
started with 8-0 run in the game and enjoyed 13:2 when Ulanovas made a lay-up
for the hosts.
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) brought 21:13 and Ulanovas gave Lithuania
26:20. Gobert managed to keep the French side alive at the end of the first
period at 26:22. The lead continued to grow in the second period as France had
no match for the favorites.
Jonas Valanciunas scored for 41:28 and Cizauskas delivered two for 52:36.
Sabonis nailed three to send the teams to the lockers as Lithuania had 55:38.
The third quarter became defensive in the game and France tried hard to stop the
hosts. Lithuania won anyway the frame 19-15 and increased to 74:53 after three
quarters. In the last stanza it was just one team in the court as Lithuania
smashed the opponents with 30-10.
Tadas Mazelis (194-G/F-92) made the last points for the winners to stay on
top of the group.
Jonas Valanciunas exploded with 34 points and 13 rebounds to lead the home
side to another victory. Pukis notched 20, while Ulanovas and Redikas added 11
apiece. Diacono replied with 13 points in defeat and Invernizzi scored 12.

Spain - Poland
67-81
Spain U18 and Poland U18 met each other in the last game of the Qualifying Round
on Monday. Poland won 81:67 and improved to 2-1 record in Group E of the U18
European Championship in Vilnius. Niedzwiedzki and Oriola exchanged the baskets
in the opening tip, while Karnowski gave Poland 13:8. Poland kept the advantage
for good and won the opening quarter 22:17 as Niedzwiedzki was the last to post
in the frame. Although Poland led in the whole frame in another 10 minutes Diaz
reduced to 27:29. Sokolowski meanwhile sent the teams to the lockers for 36:33
deficit. Only in the third quarter
Albert Ventura (196-F-92) gave Spain 38:37 advantage and another lay-up from
the Spainish top-scorer remained 40:39 lead. Poland responded with 7-0 run and
Niedzwiedzki brought his team 46:40. Sokolowski was the last to score at the end
of the third period for 56:51. Spain could not come closer and lost the fourth
period 16-25. Karnowski gave Poland their last points for another victory. Gielo
poured in 17 points for the winners, while Sokolowski collected 14 points and 11
rebounds. Niedzwiedzki also scored 14 points to taste the first victory with his
team at the Qualifying Round.
Albert Ventura responded with 17 points in the losing effort. Tomas nailed
16, while Acosta scored 10.

Group F

Greece - Italy
97-88
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (205-F-92) again was the key player for Greece
U18 that beat Italy U18 in Vilnius. The Greek side produced a 97:88 victory over
the opponents at the U18 European Championship.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos scored the first 7 points for the winners,
while Chillo made 9:7 for Italy. Kampouris brought Greece 14:13 and Psaropoulos
drove a lay-up at the end of the period for 26:19. Motsenigos increased the lead
to 33:25, while Pini scored for 40:30. Dermitzakis finished the half for 50:36
as Greece enjoyed 14-point advantage.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos even gave Greece plus 16, but Italy managed to
reduce the gap. Ondo cut it to 67:60 and Ceron closed the third quarter at
69:62. Greece needed 28-26 in the last frame to win the game.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos was unstoppable with 25 points and 13
rebounds. Motsenigos followed him with 20 and Mavrogiannis scored 18. Gentile
ended up with 21 points in the losing effort. Ceron notched 18, while Mian
scored 17. The win gives the Greeks a big advantage in a group that started all
tied, and now hold a 2-1 record while Italy dropped to 1-2. Tomorrow Greece and
Turkey will go head to head while Italy will face Croatia.

Croatia - Russia
55-78
Russia edged Croatia at the U18 European Championship in Vilnius. In their first
game of the Qualifying Round Russia celebrated 78:55 win. Barac and Kulagin
exchanged the shots in the opening tip, while Varnakov later closed his team run
for 18:10. Kulagin nailed three at the end of the first frame for 21:12. With
another 10-0 run Russia opened the second frame and never looked behind after.
Bekkiev increased to 37:14, while Kuryshkin gave Russia 39:20.
Stefan Zadravec (190-G-92) sent the squads to the lockers as the board
showed 39:25 after his shot. Russia also won the third period and enjoyed
22-point deficit after Karasev drove a lay-up. Croatia tried hard to reduce but
could not win even the last frame. With 17-16 Russia led to 78:55 total win.
Kulagin top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Karasev and Loginov followed
him with 13 points each in a win.
Stefan Zadravec ended up with 12 points in the losing case, while Saric and
Barac added 9 apiece. Following the win Russia holds a 2-1 record in the
standings while Croatia is behind with 1-2. Tomorrow Russia will meet Serbia as
Croatia will take on Italy.

Turkey - Serbia
49-63
Serbia limited Turkey to just 49 points in the last game of Group F of the U18
European Championship in Vilnius. Serbia won 63:46 for 2-1 record on top of it.
Geyik gave Turkey the first lead, while Serbia responded with 6-0 run. Vujosevic
brought his team 13:7 and Besovic closed the first period at 15:13. Turkey
climbed to 20:18, while Serbia needed another run for 30:18. Due to only 8
points in the frame Turkey trailed 21:35 at the halftime. In the last two
quarters Turkey managed to score 14 in each. It was not enough in the third
period when Serbia notched 17. The teams left the court before the final stanza
as the board showed 52:35 for Serbia. Turkey won the last period 14-11 but could
not score more than 50.
Nikola Siladi (206-F-92) gave his side 63:47, while Korkmaz was the last to
score in the game for 63:46.
Nikola Siladi top-scored for the winners with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Besovic collected 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Lambic added 9. Korkmaz
finished the night with 11 points in defeat, while Eroglu notched 10.

Group G

Ukraine - Germany
59-73
Germany made a step towards avoiding relegation at the U18 European
Championship. They held off Ukraine at the start of the Classification round in
Vilnius.
Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) produced 24 points and 8 rebounds to lead the
Bundesteam. Germany grabbed a 9:1 lead at the start of the game. They posted an
18:10 advantage at the first break. Germany enlarged the margin in the second
quarter. They capped it with a 14:0 run to take a massive 39:18 advantage at
halftime. Wendt opened the second half with a three-pointer to aggravate the
damage. Ukraine struggled to find the rhythm as they faced an 18-point deficit
before the fourth stanza. Prokopenko and Klym Artamonov dragged the Ukrainian
side within 14 points early in the final term but Germany stayed calm and eased
to the win at the end. Martin Breunig produced 14 points for Germany. Patrick
Heckmann added 12 points in the win. Olexiy Len delivered 20 points and 17
rebounds for Ukraine. Klym Artamonov netted 13 points and 8 rebounds in the
loss.

Sweden - Bulgaria
88-66
Sweden opened the Classification Round at the U18 European Championship with
victory. They toppled Bulgaria to improve at 1-0 record in Group G.
Marcus Eriksson (196-G-93) nailed 20 points to pace the effort. Bulgaria
tipped off the game with five points in a row. Soon Bulgaria posted a 19:10 lead
midway through the first stanza. They won the opening quarter by three points
22:19. Sweden answered with a 16:0 run in the second period to spur in front.
The Scandinavians ensured a 35:32 lead at halftime. Sweden maintained the lead
throughout the third stanza. They arrived at the final break up by 21 points
67:46. Bulgaria never recovered in the fourth stanza and gave up at the end.
Charles Barton notched 15 points and 8 assists for Sweden. Jonathan Person
netted 14 points in the winning case. Planimir Dafinov and Hristo Gospodinov
nailed 12 points each in the loss. Dimitar Dimitrov accounted for 11 points and
6 rebounds for Bulgaria.

Day: 3 (Preliminary Round) - Jul.
24, 2010

Group A

Lithuania - Slovenia
90-68
The hosts won Group A of the U18 European Championship as they celebrated the
victories in all three games. In the last game of the group Lithuania edged
Slovenia 90:68 for 3-0 record. Slovenia meanwhile finished the group with 1-2 as
both teams advanced to the qualifying Round. Vilnius saw another good game of
the home side that started with 6-0 in the opening tip. Slovenia took 11:10 in
the middle of the period, while
Dovydas Redikas (193-G-92) drove a lay-up to finish the first period at
28:20. Sabonis gave the hosts 36:24 and
Deividas Pukis (193-G/F-92) nailed three for 41:27. Simanavicius sent the
teams to the lockers for 51:33 halftime advantage.
Alen Omic (213-C-92) reduced to 53:39, while Besedic netted for 62:45.
Simanavicius nailed three at the end of thirty minutes for comfortable 69:47
lead. The squads scored 21 points each in the last period that was enough for
the hosts to win the third straight.
Vytenis Cizauskas (189-G-92) was the last to score for Lithuania and
Alen Omic made the final score on the board.
Deividas Pukis and
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) paced all the winners with 18 points each as
the latter alsoo grabbed 11 rebounds.
Dovydas Redikas and
Vytenis Cizauskas followed them with 14 points apiece.
Alen Omic ended up with 22 points in the losing case.
Klemen Prepelic (190-G-92) and
Luka Rupnik (184-G-93) followed them with 12 points each.

Poland - Ukraine
76-67
Poland sent Ukraine to Classification Round as they beat them in Day 3 opener.
The Polish side improved to 2-1 record after 76:67 win and advanced to the
Qualification Round.
Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) made a jump shot in the first attack for the
Polish side and Gielo made 9:4.
Mateusz Ponitka (196-G-93)'s three gave Poland 22:12, while Artamonov
reduced to 23:20 at the end of 10 minutes. Poland held Ukraine winless for about
4 minutes in the start of the second frame and increased to 27:20. After
defensive 12-11 in the second period Poland enjoyed 35:31 at the halftime.
Ukraine was still far to give up and Mishula reduced to 41:38, while later
Poland again went on a bigger lead.
Michal Sokolowski (195-G-92) scored for 56:41 and Bobrov posted for 61:50 at
the end of thirty minutes. Poland lost the last frame 15-17 but managed to win
the game as Gielo brought the last points for the winners.
Mateusz Ponitka and
Przemyslaw Karnowski paced all the winners with 15 points each, while
Michal Sokolowski netted 14.
Vyacheslav Motorchuk (205-F/C-92) responded with 15 points in the losing
effort as Ukraine remained winless.
Olexiy Len (210-C-93) collected 13 points and 11 rebounds and Prokopenko
added 11.

Group B

France - Sweden
57-42
France U18 takes the last ticket to the Qualifying Round from Group B as they
rolled over Sweden in a do-or-die game of the day. France U18 escaped the
Classification Round with a 57:42 victory as the latter fell at 0-3. The win
lift France to a 1-2 record, enough for the 3rd spot in the group. France easily
scored the first four points in the game and remained Sweden scoreless for about
three minutes. The latter meanwhile later grabbed 7:4 lead and
Jonathan Person (190-G-93, agency:
JEMsports) enjoyed with them 12:10 after the first 10 minutes. France that
finished second last year needed some changes and produced 13-6 in the second
frame.
Hugo Naurais (200-F-92) gave them 20:16 and Leon closed the half at 23:18.
In a defensive style the teams continued the second half as they realized the
importance of the mistake.
Mathis Keita (192-G-92) scored for 34:30 and he made the last lay-up in the
end of the third frame for 38:31. Gobert delivered two for 43:34 and Ceci gave
the French outfit 48:37. Gobert made two free throws at the end of the game for
the total success.
Rudy Gobert (212-C-92) collected massive 14 points and 16 rebounds for the
winners as they improved to 1-2 record.
Mathis Keita nailed 11, while
Hugo Naurais scored 7.
Jonathan Person replied with 12 points in the losing effort, while Norman
and
Ali Moussa Hussein posted 6 each.

Latvia - Spain
75-70
Latvia surprised Spain in the top game of Group B at the U18 European
Championship. The Baltic side win the group with 3-0 record after 75:70 victory.
Spain finished with 2-1 record as both teams advanced to the Qualifying Round.
Janis Timma (198-F-92) scored first three for Latvia and
Arturs Bremers (187-G-92) increased for 14:7 in the middle of the first
quarter. Another 12-0 run allowed the Baltic state to taste 24:9 advantage and
Servera closed the frame at 26:11.
Davis Bertans (200-F-92) gave Latvia 29:13 and
Edmunds Dukulis made a jump shot for 34:20. Acosta cut it to 36:26 and
Creus's three brought 41:34 at the halftime. Guerra delivered for 41:38 as the
intrigue was back in the court. Ventura and Guerra scored for 51:48 as Spain
demonstrated great game at that time. Latvia bounced back and
Edmunds Dukulis closed the third quarter at 63:55. In the first 4 minutes of
the last quarter the teams exchanged only once and then Spain tried hard to
catch up. Fernandez reduced the gap to 73:70 with 40 seconds in the game.
Arturs Bremers made last two free throws for the winners as Latvia
celebrated the third straight win.
Edmunds Dukulis and
Davis Bertans led the way with 17 points each.
Andris Misters (192-G-92),
Arturs Bremers and
Janis Timma posted 11 points each in a win.
Alejandro Barrera (199-F/C-92) replied with 14 points in the losing effort
and
Joan Tomas (201-F-92) added 11.

Group C

Turkey - Bulgaria
66-52
Turkish U18 team earned the second win at the European Championship in
Lithuania. They held off Bulgarian counterparts to improve at 2-1 record in
Group C. Turkey made it to the Qualifying Round, while Bulgaria slipped at 0-3
record and would fight to remain in Division A in classification round games.
Turkey confidently started the game as they maintained the lead throughout the
opening quarter. They posted a 16:11 lead at the first break.
Muhammed Baygul (191-G-92) knocked down eight points in a row to give Turkey
a 28:17 lead midway through the second quarter. Bulgaria narrowed the deficit at
6-point mark at halftime 29:35. Turkey stayed in charge in the third stanza.
They capped the period up by 12 points 50:38. Bulgaria never got closer than 10
points in the fourth quarter.
Burak Yildizli (200-F-94) produced 23 points and 9 rebounds to pace Turkey.
Muhammed Baygul accounted for 11 points in the winning effort.
Planimir Dafinov (181-G-92) responded with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3
assists for Bulgaria.
Pavlin Ivanov (195-G-93, agency:
Beo Basket) had 11 points in the loss.

Italy - Russia
86-87
Russia earned a narrow win over Italy in the final game of the preliminary round
of U18 European Championship.
Vladislav Trushkin (200-F-93) knocked down 19 points and made 5 steals as
Russia caught up with Italy at 2-1 record in Group C ladder. Italy however
remained on top of the standings and advanced into the Qualifying round from the
top place. Russia surged ahead early in the game. Italy soon recovered and the
lead changed hands for several times before Loginov gave Russia a 23:22
advantage at the first pause. Russia opened the second quarter on a 10:1 run to
boost the margin. But
Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) fired three trebles in a row to keep Italy
close to their opponents. Russia finished the first half up by 10 points 47:37.
Vladislav Trushkin tipped off the second half with a three-pointer to
enlarge the gap. The Azzurri quickly narrowed the distance as they headed into
the fourth frame down by just 8 points 63:71.
Giovanni Pini (205-F/C-92) and
Alessandro Gentile dragged Italy within only 2 points with 21 seconds
remaining. But
Alexander Varnakov (185-G-92) proved deadly from the stripe as Russia sealed
the win.
Alexander Varnakov finished with 15 points, 6 assists, 3 boards and 3 steals
for Russia.
Sergey Karasev (200-F-93) added 13 points in the victory.
Alessandro Gentile had an outstanding performance for Italy as he notched 42
points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Giorgio Sgobba (202-F-92) and
Giovanni Pini netted 14 points each in the loss.

Group D

Serbia - Germany
68-61
Serbia U18 jumped to a 2-1 record after the win in the beginning of Day 3 in
Lithuania. The team overcame Germany U18 as the latter dropped to 0-3 and will
play in the Classification Round against the relegation to Division B. Gujanicic
gave Serbia 5:1 lead in the opening tip of the game.
Bogic Vujosevic (189-G-92)
made it 14:7 and his lay-up in the end of the first period brought 21:14 on the
board.
Patrick Heckmann (196-G/F-92) reduced first to 24:20 and then to 26:23. He
was the one to give Germany the first lead at 27:26, while Kramer added two for
31:26. After 17-9 in the second quarter Germany had 31:30 advantage at the
halftime. Gujanicic made the score 45:38, while Bogdanovic kept them in front at
47:45 at the end of thirty minutes.
Patrick Heckmann gave Germany 50:49 and
Philipp Neumann (210-C-92) scored for the last lead of Germany. Serbian
players nailed three shots from the perimeter to take the lead and won the game.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (197-G-92) paced all the winners with 15 points and
Vukasin Petkovic (198-F-92) nailed 14.
Bogic Vujosevic followed them with 9 points in a win.
Patrick Heckmann had a great night in the losing effort shining with 27
points.
Martin Breunig (203-F-92) and
Philipp Neumann ended up with 8 points apiece.

Greece - Croatia
61-73
Croatia won the top game over Greece 73:61 as both teams advanced to the
Qualifying Round with 2-1 record in the top three places of Group D. The
double-digit defeat sent Greece to the 3rd spot in the group, while Croatia
finished 2nd only to the Serbian team that took the top place. It was one of the
top games in Day 3 of the tournament and proved to be expected. Croatia went on
a 8-1 lead and limited Greek side to just 4 points int he opening quarter.
Roko Rogic (187-G-92) made a three-pointer in the end of it for 13:4 lead.
The run continued until 21;4 when again
Roko Rogic made a jump shot.
Anastasios Antonakis (204-C/F-92) reduced to 22:10 and Tsalkitzis closed the
half at 34:22. Again Croatia continued to dominate the court and Kukoc increased
the lead to 43:24.
Stefan Zadravec (190-G-92) scored for 49:29 and Saric kept the difference at
51:31.
Sokratis Psaropoulos (191-G-92) cut it to 53:40, while
Roko Rogic nailed three for 59:41 after three quarters. Greece was too far
to give up and needed 10-0 run to reduce to 59:51. Chrysikopoulos scored for
69:61, but due to the end of the game they could not come closer.
Filip Najev (205-F/C-92) nailed three for the total success of the Croatian
side.
Roko Rogic stepped up for the winners with 17 points, while
Stefan Zadravec,
Filip Najev and
Toni Katic (185-G-92) scored 12 each.
Anastasios Antonakis and
Georgios Mavrogiannis (193-G-92) responded with 15 points each, whilst
Sokratis Psaropoulos netted 12.

Day: 2 (Preliminary Round) - Jul.
23, 2010

Group A

Poland - Lithuania
66-87
Lithuania became the leader of Group A as they rolled over Poland at the U18
European Championship. The hosts of the tournament improved to 2-0 record after
87:66 victory. Lithuania easily took control of the game and won the opening
quarter 27:12.
Renaldas Simanavicius (184-G-92) opened the second period for 29:12 and
Pukis gave the hosts 31:16. Lithuania continued to dominate the court and
Renaldas Simanavicius made it 39:23, while Redikas posted three for 52:26.
Skucas made two free throws to send the teams to the lockers at 56:30.
Sokolowski started the third frame for Poland and Gielo nailed for 68:42.
Mockevicius and
Renaldas Simanavicius brought the last points for the hosts in the third
frame for 74:49. Poland meanwhile managed to win the last frame 17-13, but could
reduce the gap only in the game. Grochowski made a jump shot for 87:66 as the
teams finished their second game.
Jonas Valanciunas (210-C-92) top-scored for the winners with 16 points and
18 rebounds, while Pukis also scored 16. Redikas followed them with 15 points in
a win.
Przemyslaw Karnowski (213-C-93) ended up with 13 in the losing effort as
Poland tied their record at 1-1. Ponitka nailed 11, while Sokolowski scored 10.

Ukraine - Slovenia
59-79
Ukraine and Slovenia battle for the initial victory at the U18 European
Championship as the latter improved to 1-1 in Group A. Slovenia edged Ukrainian
side 79:59 to send them to 0-2. Slovenia scored the first 8 points in the game,
while could not hold the lead. Len tied it at 10:10, while Marchenko gave
Ukraine 14:13 advantage. Vasl scored from the perimeter for 21:19 after the
first 10 minutes in the game. The score was tied three times in the second
frame, while Slovenia managed to take 3-point deficit at the halftime. Prepelic
and Besedic nailed three each for 36:33 halftime advantage. From that point
Slovenia never looked behind after. They increased to 57:46 as Rojc closed the
third frame. Rupnik delivered two for 61:48 and Prepelic posted three for 68:50.
Rojc made two successful lay-ups at the very end to seal the first victory for
Slovenia.
Marko Pajic (204-F-92) top-scored for the winners with 14 points and 12
rebounds. Rojc netted 12, while Span scored 11. Len responded with 21 points and
12 rebounds in defeat and Artamonov notched 13.

Group B

Latvia - France
61-58
France U18 lost their second game as they were upset by Latvia U18 in day 2 in
Vilnius. The second team of last year Championship fell with 58:61 loss to drop
at 0-2. Latvia meanwhile became the leader of Group B with 2-0 record. Bigote
gave French side the first lead as the team desired to bounce back from the
first loss in the opener. The teams exchanged the leads several times, while the
Baltic side grabbed 21-19 after 10 minutes. They limited the French side to just
6 points in the second period and increased to 38:25 at the halftime. Moreover
Timma upset the opponents to 45:28 in the middle of the third. France made a
huge comeback and Gobert closed the gap to 52:48. Although Morin tied the game
at 54:54, France could not step in front. Latvia got the lead back and
celebrated 61:58 victory.
Edmunds Dukulis (201-C-92, agency:
Players Group) top-scored for the winners with 13 points. Misters nailed 12,
while Timma scored 10. Bigote ended up with 16 points in the losing effort,
while Gobert collected 15 points and 11 rebounds. Tomorrow France will meet
Sweden, while Latvia will face Spain.

Spain - Sweden
95-57
Spain smashed Sweden 95:57 in the last game of the second day at the U18
European Championship. The Spanish side improved to 2-0 record sharing the top
with Latvian team and will face them tomorrow for the top place in the group.
Gaddefors brought Sweden the first lead and Norman gave Scandinavian team 9:4.
Ventura tied the score at 11:11 and Spain never looked behind after that.
Fernandez made a jump shot to close the first period at 24:16 and then Spain
kept Swedish side scoreless for about three minutes. Fernandez scored for 36:18,
while Barrera added two for 44:24. Diaz nailed three to send the teams to the
lockers for 50:27. The third quarter was another proof for Spain in the court.
They easily reached 60:33 as
Miguel Servera (199-G-92) and later Mas scored from the free throw line.
Miguel Servera again scored last two in the end of the quarter for 77:42 as
it became clear at that time in Spanish dominance. With 18-15 Spain won the last
quarter and celebrated the second straight win.
Miguel Servera paced all the winners with 17 points. Tomas nailed 16, while
Mas scored 13. Norman ended up with 12 points in the losing effort and Gaddefors
notched 8.

Group C

Italy - Turkey
99-74
Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) pulled Italy over the Turkish side in the
last game of Day 3 at the U18 European Championship. Italy won 99:74 to take 2-0
record on top of Group C, while Turkey tied their record at 1-1. Both teams
exchanged the leads several times in the first period, while Italy took 21:16 in
the opening quarter. Ceron increased the lead to 38:28 and
Alessandro Gentile made it 46:32. Moreover
Alessandro Gentile closed the half from the perimeter for 49:34. Turkey was
too far to give up and responded with 21-16 int he third quarter.
Alessandro Gentile remained Italy in front at 65:55 after 30 minutes. Chillo
scored for 72:57 in the start of the last frame and Italy held off the
opponents. Tekin made the score 79:61 making both free throws in the fourth
period.
Alessandro Gentile scored his 25th points and another three-pointer gave
Italy 84:63. Tekin responded for 86:67 and Ozen nailed two for 86:69. Ceron
later scored a three-pointer for 92:72, while Sabbation increased the lead to
94:72. Corrieri and Monaldi brought the last points for the total success.
Alessandro Gentile erupted with 31 points for the winners to remain
undefeated. Ceron nailed 24, while Chillo posted 12. Dokuyan ended up with 15
points and Korkmaz scored 11 in defeat. Geyik and Senli produced 10 points in
the losing effort.

Russia - Bulgaria
88-57
Russia bounced back after two-overtime thriller loss from Turkey in the opener
and beat Bulgaria in Day 2 of the U18 European Championship. An easy start led
to 88:57 total win over the opponents.
Gleb Goldyrev (200-F-93) opened the game from the perimeter and he also
brought 7:2 in the game. After 7:5 on the board Russia finished the first
quarter with 20-0 run to take 27:7 advantage. Moreover the run continued until
29:5 when Bekkiev made a jump shot. Bulgaria had difficulties coming back into
the game as Simeonov reduced to 33:19. Dafinov sent the squads to the lockers
for 41:23 after two periods. Ivanov scored five in a row for his team to give
48:33 on the board. Simeonov remained the difference at 56:41, while Karasev
closed Russian 7-0 run at the end of the third period for 63:41. The game was
done for the winners, while they added another 25-16 in the last stanza for the
bigger lead. Kulagin was the last to score for Russia, whilst Simeonov made the
final score in the game.
Gleb Goldyrev stepped up with 13 points for the winners as Russia improved
to 1-1 record. Trushkin and Pisarchuk followed him with 11 points apiece.
Simeonov and Ivanov netted 14 each, while Funtarov scored 10 in defeat.

Group D

Greece - Serbia
59-57
Greece became the leader of Group D in Lithuania as the team handed Serbia their
first loss. The defending champions lost their first game and dropped at 1-1
after 57:59 loss. Serbia easily went on a 6-0 run and played really well in
defense. Drenovac scored last two in the opening quarter for 14:9. Gujanicic
brought 18:14, while Dumic delivered for 27:21. Drenovac closed the first half
with a jump shot sending the teams to the lockers for 31:24. The second half as
well as the third quarter belonged to Greece and
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (205-F-92) tied the game at 33:33.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos was the last to score in the period, while
Serbia managed to keep 45:42 advantage.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos again tied it at 50:50, while another shot
from the Greek player saw 55:55 on the board. Gujanicic gave Serbia the last
lead at 57:55, but
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos made 57:57. Mavrogiannis was perfect from free
throw line to give Greece 59:57 with 2.35 in the game. As it became clear those
points were the last in the game as both teams remained scoreless in the end.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos paced all the winners with 25 points and 8
rebounds. Antonakis nailed 10, while Motsenigos scored 9. Gujanicic delivered 17
in the losing effort and Drenovac added 9.

Croatia - Germany
81-73
Croatia U18 beat Germany U18 in Group D of Day 2 of the U18 European
Championship. The win lifts Croatia to 1-1 record, while Germany dropped to 0-2
before the deciding Day 3 tomorrow. Croatia won the opening tip 12:2 as Barac
made a jump shot. Kramer nailed 8 points in a row for German to reduce to 16:13,
while Neumann made it 20:19. Croatia won the first quarter 25:22 and looked
forward to keep the lead in the rest of the game. Croatia started the second
period with 11-0 run and never looked behind after. Zadravec scored for 43:33
and Saric sent the squads to the lockers for 46:39. Again Croatia started better
another frame and created a 12-0 run. Katic posted two for 58:39 and then
Germany responded with 10-0 run. Kramer scored four in the end of the third
frame for 62:56. The intrigue remained in the last quarter as again Kramer
reduced for 64:60. Moreover another three-pointer from the top-scorer made the
score 75:73 with a minute to go. Croatia needed a 6-0 run to win the game at the
end.
Roko Rogic (187-G-92) and Dario Saric paced all the winners with 22 points
each. Barac followed them with 11 points in a win. Kramer ended up with 25
points in the losing effort and Neumann scored 14.

Day: 1 (Preliminary Round) - Jul.
22, 2010

Group A

Lithuania - Ukraine
81-61
The hosts won the first game over Ukraine at the start of the U18 European
Championship in Vilnius. Led by
Edgaras Ulanovas (197-F-92) Lithuania produced a 81:61 win over the
opponents. Lithuania opened the game with 26:20 and pushed the tempo always in
the game. Simanavicius drove a lay-up for 28:20 and Cizauskas nailed two for
36:25. Jakstas made a dunk to send the teams to the lockers for 42:29.
Prokopenko reduced to 52:42, while
Edgaras Ulanovas later nailed three for 55:44. Bobrov was perfect from the
free throw line to cut it to 55:46 but Pukis closed the third period from the
perimeter to make 58:46. Skucas nailed a shot for 64:48 in the start of the last
stanza when it became clear that the hosts would win their opener. He nailed
another three-pointer for 67:48 with 6.30 in the game, while Prokopenko scored
his 23 points for 67:51. Mishula scored from the arc for 69:54, while
Valanciunas delivered two for 73:54.
Edgaras Ulanovas posted three for 76:54 and Artamonov was the last to score
in the game for 81:61.
Edgaras Ulanovas top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Valanciunas
nailed 16, while Cizauskas added 12. Prokopenko finished the night with 23
points in defeat and Artamonov nailed 12.

Slovenia - Poland
82-89
Poland overcame Slovenia in the opener of Group A of the U18 European
Championship in Vilnius. The Polish players won all the quarters to celebrate
89:82 victory. Slovenia opened the game with 5-0 lead, while Sokolowski gave
Poland 13:12. Rupnik and
Tomasz Gielo (204-F-93) exchanged the shots in the end of the opening
quarter as Poland took 21:19 lead. Prepelic nailed three for 25:24 and a
three-pointer from Rupnik kept Slovenia in front. Poland however also replied
with some shots from the arc for 40:31 advantage. Sokolowski remained Poland in
front at 49:44 finishing the half. Again Slovenia responded with some baskets as
Omic brought 53:52 lead. Poland managed to win the rest of the quarter and
grabbed 68:62 advantage after 30 minutes. They increased to 10 early in the
last, while Span reduced to 85:82 with 1 minute to go.
Tomasz Gielo made two free throws at the end of the quarter for the final
success. Ponitka stepped up with 20 points for the winners to take 1-0 record
with them.
Tomasz Gielo nailed 17, while Sokolowski scored 16. Pajic responded with 16
points and 12 rebounds in defeat. Rupnik chipped in 15, whilst Span netted 13.

Group B

France - Spain
57-61
Spain surprised France at the U18 European Championship in the last game of Day
1. Spain rolled over France 61:57 for the first victory. Last year Serbian U18
National team clinched the European championship title! They held off hosting
France in Metz today to repeat the 2007 success. France will do their best this
year to forget the first loss. Spain opened the game with 8-0 run, but Keita
reduced to 9:11. Bigote closed the opening quarter at 17:12 after 10 minutes. A
9-0 run helped France to take 21:17 and Jean-Charles made 25:22. Fernandez sent
the teams to the lockers for 32:27 as the teams nailed 15 points each in the
quarter. Spain kept the lead in the majority of the third quarter but France
pulled back to 44:43 when Naurais made a jump shot.
Alejandro Barrera (199-F/C-92) nailed two for Spain as the latter trailed
45:46 after three frames. The last frame became the excitement of the tournament
and brought great performance from both teams. Both of them had a chance to win,
but Spain managed to grab 1-0 record. Oriola and Tomas made 4 points at the end
for the final success. Tomas and
Alejandro Barrera top-scored for the winners with 15 points each, while
Fernandez nailed 9. Keita ended up with 11 points in the losing effort. Bigote
and Jean-Charles delivered 9 points each in defeat.

Sweden - Latvia
58-89
The game between Sweden U18 and Latvia U18 opened U18 European Championship in
Vilnius today. The Baltic side grabbed 89:58 win in the opener due to the win in
all quarters. Latvia started with 4 consecutive points and never looked behind
after. Misters made a lay-up for 15:3 and Bertans Davis scored for 19:10.
Rostovs closed the opening quarter at 27:16. Eriksson pulled Sweden to 29:20,
while Latvia created 15-0 run immediately for 44:40 lead. Vitins sent the teams
to the lockers for 46:28 halftime advantage. Bertans Davis later nailed tow
three-pointers for 54:32 in the third frame. Gaddefors posted for 61:39 and
Misters nailed two for 65:39.
Edmunds Dukulis (201-C-92, agency:
Players Group) made two free throws for 67:44 at the end of three quarters.
The top-scorer made also three later in the fourth for 71:44, while Magone
delivered for 78:49. Nguyen and Vitins exchanged the baskets at the very end as
Latvia posted the win in the opener of U18 European Championship.
Edmunds Dukulis paced all the winners with 22 points and Bertans Davis
netted 19. Timma Janis and Misters followed them with 16 points each. Eriksson
ended up with 11 points in the losing effort, whilst Gaddefors and Person netted
9 apiece.

Group C

Bulgaria - Italy
56-75
Italy beat Bulgaria 75:56 in the start of the U18 European Championship in
Vilnius. Italy joined Turkey that needed two-overtime thriller to beat Russia
U18 in the start of the U18 European Championship in Vilnius on top of the Group
C.
Alessandro Gentile (198-G/F-92) opened the game for the winners and
Sabbatino shocked the opponents for 18:2. Dafinov drove a lay-up for 23:9 in the
end of the first period. For the first two minutes of the second quarter the
teams were scoreless as Mian broke the silence for 25:9. Monaldi nailed three at
the end of the second quarter to give Italy 39:20. Sabbatino scored from the
perimeter to give Italy 42:20 in the start of the third quarter. He nailed
another one for 52:22, while
Alessandro Gentile and Dimitrov exchanged the baskets for 61:37 later in the
game. Bulgaria started to play better in the last stanza and won the period
19-14. Gospodinov was the last to post in the game and brought 75:56 on the
board.
Alessandro Gentile led the way with 21 points as Italy celebrated the first
win. Pini collected 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Chillo and Sabbatino netted
10 each. Dimitar Dimitrov ended up with 16 points in the losing effort and
Gospodinov brought 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Turkey - Russia
97-88 2OT
Turkey U18 needed two-overtime thriller to beat Russia U18 in the start of the
U18 European Championship in Vilnius.
Safak Edge (188-G-92) exploded for the winners as Turkey had 11-2 in the
second overtime to win the opener. The teams exchanged the basket in the opening
tip as Vardal made 11:6 for Turkey. The latter continued to play better until
the end of the first period, while Varnakov reduced for 22:18. Russia continued
their run and opened the second period with 7-0 run to take 25:22. Due to 21-8
in the frame they increased the lead to 39:30 at the halftime. Moreover Kulagin
gave Russia plus 14 at 44:30. Karasev tasted the biggest lead with Russia at
59:44 closing the third frame. Russia also led 14 points with 5 minutes in the
fourth quarter but could not keep the lead. Baygul nailed three for 72:72 to
send the teams to extra periods. They both nailed 14 points in the first
overtime, while Turkey looked better in the second one for the first victory in
Vilnius.
Safak Edge erupted with 35 points for the winners. Dokuyan notched 18, while
Baygul chipped in 14. Karasev ended up with 17 points and 11 rebounds in defeat,
while Kulagin scored 15.

Group D

Serbia - Croatia
65-57
Serbia opened the U18 European Championship at the Siemens Arena in Vilnius
afternoon with a big 65:57 victory over Croatia in Group D. With this win Serbia
takes a 1-0 record before their game tomorrow against Greece, while Croatia
dropped to 0-1 and will try to write their debut victory against Germany the
next day. Zadravec nailed three to open the game and Gujanicic later tied it at
6:6. Serbia grabbed the lead at 22:16 in the end of the first 10 minutes as
Bogdanovic and Zadravec exchanged the baskets. The second quarter even more
interesting and Percan tied it at 29:29. Siladi remained Serbian team in front
at 34:32 after two quarters. Serbia took the bigger lead in the third quarter,
however Barac reduced it again to 49:45. Katic later brought to 58:55, but
Serbia kept the lead. Bogdanovic increased the lead to 63:55 and Dumic made the
last jump shot 65:57. Bogdanovic led all the winners with 12 points, while Dumic
and
Djordje Drenovac (197-F-92, agency:
Interperformances) added 10 each. Barac responded with 15 points in the
losing effort and Zadravec chipped in 9. Last year Serbian U18 National team
clinched the European championship title! They held off hosting France in Metz
today to repeat the 2007 success. Danilo Andjusic stepped up with 22 points to
lead the Serbian team to the big victory.

Germany - Greece
55-65
Greek U18 team overcame Germany U18 at the start of the European Championship.
Greece needed 20-10 in the last period to win the game. Heckmann made the dunk
for the German side, while
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos (205-F-92) was the first to score for the
Greek side. Both teams exchanged the leads several times as Psaropoulos gave
Greece 14:12 after 10 minutes. Neumann tied the game at 18:18, while Heckmann
nailed three for 22:21 German advantage. Antonakis drove a lay-up for 31:27
sending the teams to the lockers. Antonakis made a jump shot for 33:27, while
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos posted two free throws for 41:33. Theilig
nailed three for 43:43, while Bright scored for 45:45 after thirty minutes.
Greece went on a run in the start of the last frame. Breunig reduced to 50:47
and Bright pulled his team back 50:49. Due to 20-10 in the quarter Greece
celebrated the necessary victory.
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos brought the last points for Greece to take 1-0
record with them. Motsenigos top-scored for the winners with 18 points.
Psaropoulos nailed 14, while
Linos-Spyridon Chrysikopoulos scored 10. Heckmann ended up with 20 points in
the losing effort, Neumann scored 11 and Theilig added 9.

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